Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1887-06-29


Staunton,-Its People,-Memorial Services,
governor Lee,-Gen. Averell,-The
Uuion-HOw to be Restored.
TUnder the above caption, the Bath IN.
W Plaindealer of June 25th published a
long, interesting, and exceedingly kind let
ter signed s.Rambler" from which we make
the extracts which follow. For the benefit
of our readers we will state that the author
is that old, genial, and warm-hearted gen.
tleman, Hon. A. ]. Mccall, who, with his
wife, accompanied Gen. Averell and his
wife from New York to this city to partici-
pate in the Memorial services on the 9th of
June. The paper in which it appears is
edited by his son, Mr.. A. Elias Mccall
Ed. SPECTATOR
STAuNToN, VA, June 10.-This flourish.
ing and pleasant city was settled as early as
1882, by sturdy race of Seotch-1rish pio-
neers from Pennsylvania, who then swarmed
through the Valley. Better blood the
world does not produce. Indomitable in
will-independent in thought and action
chivalrous in courage, they never yet turned
their back upon an aggressive foe or struck
fallen one. Their faith, the embodiment
of themselves-stern, God fearing and pure.
It is not strange, then, that the descendants
of such material fought bravely and when
the war was ended went stubbornly to work
to erase every scar that it made, SO that
now, not trace can be seen. Peace, plen-
ty and prosperity only appear. Such
people are as generous and hospitable as
they are independent and brave. The
stranger within their gates is welcomed as
a brother with warm hearts and open hands.
One of these men said to day, cit is not
those who suffered most and lost most,
fought and bled,-who are now bitter and
dissatisfied growing and complaining. T"
No, they are the peaceful, submissive law
abiding, order-loving of the country, ready
to join hands with all good men in every
good work, and prove themselves as brave
and good in peace as they were stubborn
and unconquerable in war;" Can it be
possible, that any one of thesame race can
be found so craven and ungenerous as to
further oppose the restoration of fraternal
relatians with such people?
The 9th day of June, 1887, will long be
remembered in this goodly city. The morn
ing was as freshand clear as June produces,
and every body was astir at an early hour,
making preparations for the Memorial serv-
ices about to take place in honor of the cit
izen soldiers from this vicinity, who fell
during the late war The higher the civ
ilization and the stronger the moral senti-
ments of people-the greater their respect
for their dead, especially those who gave
up their lives, unselfshly, in cause they
deemed it their duty to sustain and defend.
This feeling is manifested by visiting the
hallowed ground, where they lie, and drop
ping flower or tear, as token of remem-
brance. This occasion seemed appropriate
for mingling of the elements engaged in
the contest, in which their beloved friends
fell, to recall all that was pleasant and
chivalrous, and bury forever all that was
painful and disagreeable in the dead past.
To that end, General Averell who had been
most prominent in the invasion of their
country, was invited to be present and join
in the ceremony. Governor Lee arrived
about 8 O'Clock and crowds of countrymen
with their wives and children, came pour
ing into the town from every quarter. All
the streets were filed with living throng
from an early hour almost blocking the
way. The procession, composed of the Of
fcers of the day, the invited guests, the
military and civic companies with bands
and banners, on the firing of the signal gun
at 10 O'Clock moved from the Opera House
on the march to the cemetery, slowly and
in the most perfect order under the direc-
ton of Marshal Patterson. 1t moved near
ly two miles by mass Of spectators, cover
ing the buildings and sidewalks, from
which came forth as the carriage bearing
Governor Lee and General Averell passed,
loud and jubilant cheering, which made the
welkin ring. A more intelligent-looking,
better-dressed and orderly crowd, I never
saw in any place or on any occasion. 1t
manifested in every way it's kind and friend
ly feelings towards those of every section
of our great and glorious Union. The GEM
etery is large and magnificent one, cover
ing many acres-an honor to the city.
Through its winding avenues the process
sion moved silently and solemnly around
the green mounds where sleep the dead
heroes, whose memories are 30 dear to their
living friends. Returning to the city the
ceremonies continued at the Opera House,
which was packed to overlooking by intelli-
gent interested citizens, anxious to hear the
banner was every where displayed and the
several bands discoursed old time melodies
and airs-'Hail Columbia "Yankee
Doodle" and "Dixie," all which were
hailed with cheers. The officials, speakers
and representatives of the press, were pro-
vided with seats on the stage"
The letter then gives an account of the
speeches of Gov. Lee, General Avereill, Gen:
Imboden, and Carlton Mccarthy in the
Opera House when it continued to its con-
clusion as follows
"The assemblage adjourned in the hap
piest mood; all better and happier than
they we're before--the war and all its pain
full realities wiped away and forgotten.-
Would that in our colder zone similar
gatherings were held 10 awaken similar
good feeling and cordially. He alene, who
can subdue his prejudices and animosities,
is assured of an abode in that realm where
hate and sorrow never come. In the after
ner, at which the Federal and Confederate
generals fought their battles over again, to
the great entertainment Of those present.
In fact it was unfair to the kind intentions
of the host, who had done SO much to pre-
pare sumptuous repast, that the invited
guests were permitted to set it aside by
presenting richer treat. These good peo
pie here, not satisfied with toasting us and
feeding us till we were surfeited, gave us a
spectacular and musical entertainment, in
the evening at the Opera House, wholly
performed by amateurs of the town, which
could not have been excelled by perfession-
al players. ! am not sure but the best wine
was reserved to the last-certain am I, that,
1 was never SO highly entertained by any
performance of the kind. Thus ended a